Turkey - Istanbul

Regional Travel Advice

- Travellers are advised to check travel warnings for Turkey before departing. - Take sensible measures to protect yourself from petty theft. Incidents such as bag snatching and pick pocketing do occur, particularly in tourist-frequented areas. - Foreign visitors should always carry their passport as a means of identification. Failure to do so is a criminal offense. Watch your words: it is illegal to insult the national flag, the military, the government and in any way dishonour the name and image of Mustafa Kemal Atartuk, the founder of the modern Turkish Republic. Defacing or tearing up Turkish Lira is also against the law.- A majority of Turks are Muslim, but Turkey is a secular country. However, it is important to respect local customs and laws.

Rates may vary according to hours required and distance travelled. Please contact Tristar for an accurate quote to your requirements. All rates are inclusive of chauffeur gratuity and fuel surcharge. Other transfer rates are available on request. Additional Information - Please note all rates are indicative. For an accurate quote, please contact Tristar on +1 866 686 0373. Surcharges may apply according to time of day, day of the week, local public holidays or special events, please check at time of booking. Indicative rates quoted may vary according to currency fluctuations and do not include waiting time, parking, tolls or telephone charges. All time based journeys will be charged by the hour from the time the vehicle leaves the local office to the time it returns. Further terms and conditions may apply, please see our terms and conditions page below for details.

City Overview

Istanbul: it is the largest city in Turkey, and one of the most populous cities in Europe and the world. This economic, cultural and political heart of Turkish nation has served as the capital of a number of empires, from the Romans through to the Ottomans. Istanbul (formerly known as Constantinople, as a popular song reminds) has been pivotal through the ages. Its location, straddling Europe and Asia, has resulted in a mélange of cultures and a breathtaking diversity that characterises the city. Tristar Worldwide is proud to offer our excellent chauffeur services in Istanbul, the transcontinental city. Visitors seeking to explore will find Sultanahmet Square an ideal place to start, as several notable monuments including the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace are based here. Naturally, the city boasts numerous other landmarks, monuments and places of interest, which will keep cultural enthusiasts happily occupied. For a truly authentic experience of Turkish culture, the city’s hammams (Turkish baths) are an essential stop.

Estimated Travel Time from Airport to City Centre

Travel Advice For Turkey - Istanbul

- Travellers are advised to check travel warnings for Turkey before departing.

- Take sensible measures to protect yourself from petty theft. Incidents such as bag snatching and pick pocketing do occur, particularly in tourist-frequented areas.

- Foreign visitors should always carry their passport as a means of identification. Failure to do so is a criminal offense. Watch your words: it is illegal to insult the national flag, the military, the government and in any way dishonour the name and image of Mustafa Kemal Atartuk, the founder of the modern Turkish Republic. Defacing or tearing up Turkish Lira is also against the law.

- A majority of Turks are Muslim, but Turkey is a secular country. However, it is important to respect local customs and laws.

Timezone:

GMT+2

Currency:

Turkish Lira

Voltage:

220/230V

Languages:

Turkish

Top 5 Business Tips

- Address your Turkish colleagues using their professional titles alone. If they don’t have one, they can be addressed using “Bey” for a man or “Hanim” for a woman, preceded by their first name.

- Punctuality is valued, so always be on time. Protocol dictates that elders and superior personnel are greeted first, as seniority is valued in Turkish culture.

- Personal relationships are vital, and initial meetings will be spent developing rapport. Always make sure to engage in small talk before approaching business matters.

- Exchanging business cards is common; if you do not receive or do not proffer a card, it indicates a lack of interest in beginning a business relationship.

- Decision-making is slow: initial meetings may be with junior-level associates until you are deemed trustworthy, at which point you will be given access to higher-ranking business figures.

City Overview

Istanbul: it is the largest city in Turkey, and one of the most populous cities in Europe and the world. This economic, cultural and political heart of Turkish nation has served as the capital of a number of empires, from the Romans through to the Ottomans. Istanbul (formerly known as Constantinople, as a popular song reminds) has been pivotal through the ages. Its location, straddling Europe and Asia, has resulted in a mélange of cultures and a breathtaking diversity that characterises the city. Tristar Worldwide is proud to offer our excellent chauffeur services in Istanbul, the transcontinental city. Visitors seeking to explore will find Sultanahmet Square an ideal place to start, as several notable monuments including the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace are based here. Naturally, the city boasts numerous other landmarks, monuments and places of interest, which will keep cultural enthusiasts happily occupied. For a truly authentic experience of Turkish culture, the city’s hammams (Turkish baths) are an essential stop.